Budo Ryu

Great instructors! They are super nice and helpful, and the classes are great! I’ve learned a ton from Krav Maga! The only down side is that they are a little pricy, but I definitely think that it’s worth it!

While visiting my girlfriend in San Luis Obispo for the past couple of weeks, I recently had the opportunity to train twice Budo Ryu under boxing coach Darby Evans. I live in San Diego & train various martial arts (including traditional boxing) @ Victory MMA (which is a great gym), but it was really a very pleasant surprise to find such great training as that offered @ Budo Ryu in SLO. Coach Darby Evans is really a great instructor. His workouts are very challenging and he really takes the time each class to highlight a few of the finer points of boxing technique, in addition to providing a very solid basic workout. This facility really seems to have a very positive vibe about it. The training atmosphere is relaxed, although it is readily apparent that those who teach & train here know how to handle their business.

So its been almost exactly a year and one month since I’ve started my Muay Thai kickboxing training at Budo Ryu. I can honestly say its the best life decision I have made to date. I have lost a total of 50lbs so far and I’m not quitting until I reach my final goal. Budo Ryu is more than just fitness and self defense, they are more like a family. Everyone there is friendly and dedicated, students and instructors alike. Its a place that takes pride in their craft and it shows, taking the time to answer every question and making sure that if you are training, you are training as hard as you can. They push you to your highest potential and it feels great to have that kind of support.
I love the renovations that have recently taken place. Another sign that they care about there students and take pride in their gym. Providing the best environment possible to train. They are incorporating some new classes and different training styles you cannot find anywhere in SLO County. Ive had the pleasure of trying out a couple of the new monkey bar training programs and I can tell you now. Im looking forward to losing another 50lbs with this program.
I hope more people take the chance and visit Budo Ryu and find out what its all about for themselves. They offer many different styles including Muay Thai Kickboxing, Krav Maga, Boxing, Yoga, Bag classes and ju-​jitzu. In addition they have Miles, the coolest gym dog I have ever met.
See you all there!

I LOVE the Budo Ryu!!! I have been going for the past 6 months and I have lost 30 lbs!!! You will never find a gym that will help you achieve your goals like Budo. The instructors are experts in both physical and mental training. Every day I am there I feel like I have my own personal instructor. The classes are not over run with ho-​hum people just getting by. The instructors and the students are passionate and COMPASSIONATE. They know just how much to push you and how to talk to you. They treat you like family from the get go. Attending the Budo Ryu has changed my life and given me my health back.
I totally disagree with the 1 person who posted that there is drama here. I have NEVER heard rumors or drama at Budo Ryu. In fact if you are dramatic and want to cause trouble and then it’s not the place for you because this gym is nothing but amazing and drama free. Oh and I am also 33 years old… NOT a college student.

I love this place
Coaches treat everyone with respect. I love that this is the kind of place that encourages u to give your all in a workout regardless of your size or gender. As a big person sometimes I am shy to workout around people cause of my fear of being judged for being overweight, I can say when I first went to the budo ryu I was met with high fives and support despite my inability to properly throw a punch or a kick. I love that they have different classes that vary from Muay Thai to jiu jitsu to Krav Maga to their very own fitness program called the monkey bar. I can truly say if u want to learn and loose weight in a fun environment try the budo ryu

I have been coming to the Budo since it was located on Suburban St. These people gave my a gym and the motivation to work my butt off. I lost 40lbs and participate in my first Muy Thai competitive fight. Even after I graduated I still return to the Budo to workout when I come back to SLO. This place is amazing.

I absolutely love training at Budo Ryu. I had very little experience in a martial arts gym like this but after continuously going to classes and putting in the effort to learn, I have found a new love for Muay Thai. All of the instructors are extremely friendly and welcome new members to make them feel comfortable immediately. Athletes at all different levels of experience train at this gym, so it really is a place for anyone to join and not feel judged! This gym is a gem of San Luis Obispo and I recommend anyone and everyone to come in and try a class. Your first class is free, so I would suggest just going and trying it out, no obligation to sign up afterwards. Join Budo Ryu if you want to meet amazing people and want a difficult but great workout!

This review is long over due… I love Budo! It is a place I can always go to and feel right at home. I joined Budo while in college and trained Muay Thai for a few years as well as joining the fight team. Even after moving away 3 years ago, I still visit everytime I’m in town.
Eric S. and Geri O. are amazing people. Always willing to teach and train outside of the class setting. If they know you’re passionate and want to learn they will make sure you learn.
The classes are both very technical and physically challenging. No «half-​ass» work here.
If you’re looking for something new, or if you’re looking to get the BEST training in Muay Thai and Krav Maga, check out Budo Ryu. I moved away 3 years ago and still haven’t been able to find another facility with the expertise and vibe that I had while I was here.

Save yourself a lot of stress and take your money, time, and effort elsewhere. This gym has a long history of creating drama. It would have closed a long time ago if not for the unassuming college kid clientele, who help keep the place afloat until they are blindsided by the never ending internal conflicts. Please take some time to research other options and avoid this place at all costs.